Biography

Mary was born on 3 Feb 1689,[1][2] died before 6 Mar 1764 in Hopewell Mm, Frederick County,Virginia, and was buried in Hopewell Mm, Frederick County,Virginia.

James Wright married Mary Bowater, daughter of John Bowater and Mary Maunder, on 2 Feb 1707 in East Nottingham MM, Chester County, Pennsylvania.

from http://www.ancestrees.com/pedigree/1394.htm, the excellent research of Linda Coate:

Mary's last name has oft been printed as Davis of Welsh descent. (C-273, 972,999) Mary Davis was from Manoaken, Somerset, Maryland. According to Farmer, the lineage goes back through James Davis, a founder of Jamestown. Farmer says her birth date was Mar. 16, 1674 and her marriage was Dec. 2, 1689. This birth date aligns with the other children of her supposed parents, James and Margeret Davis, and in no way aligns with the published Quaker birth date for Mary Wright in Hopewell records. It also has no first hand support other than a family group sheet that states her name and dates came from "Records of the Society of Friends, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Penn in 1908." (C-956)

This oft printed theory and incongruous lineage in as reputable a source as Farmer, has now effectively been disproven by Stewart Baldwin in "The American Genealogist", July/Oct. 1997 issue. She was a Bowater based on multiple pieces of evidence.

Mary Wright's birth date is listed in Feb. 12, 1689 in Hopewell Quaker records. This is off by a 1 day from being Mary Bowater's actual birth date in English records if the 1689 date is interpreted as 1688/1689.

As an orphaned young woman, Mary Bowater was received on certificate from England to live near her brother, Thomas, in the Philadelphia Monthly Meeting records dated 28 4th month 1706. This is the only time she is mentioned in this country under her maiden name. By 26 11th mo 1708/9 in Philadelphia records Mary condemned her marriage as contrary to discipline. This record coincides with the estimated marriage date for Mary and James Wright.

Although the Quaker records were destroyed for the time period of their marriage, later marriage records of Mary and James Wright's children include many Bowater relatives as witnesses and do not include any Davis relatives. Mary and James Wright were also listed in the relatives column for her brother Thomas Bowater's daughter's marriage. Lastly, they have a grandson named Bowater. Stewart Baldwin's case that Mary is a Bowater is actually one of the finest pieces of genealogical analysis I've seen. (C-999)

Her will is as follows: "I, Mary Wright, of Frederick County in the Colony of Virginia, being aged and sickly but of a sound and well disposing mind and memory do make this my last will and testament hereby revoking and disanulling all other wills that have heretofore been made or done by me. First, my will is that my body be decently buried and that all my just debts and funeral charges that I leave to be defrayed at the discretion of my executors hereafter named. Secondly, I give and bequeath and demise to the proper use and behalf of him the said Thomas Wright his heirs and assigns forever. Thirdly, I give and bequeath all and singular of my wearing apparel unto my seven daughters, vis., Mary, Hannah, Martha, Elizabeth, Ann, Sarah, Lidia to be equally divided among them. Fourthly, I give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah Pickering, one brass mortar. Fifthly, I give and bequeath unto my son Thomas Wright all and singular of my stock and household goods. I also will that what money remains after my decease, from the land sold on Middlefork is to be equally divided among my ten children, vis. James, Isaac, Mary Hannah, Martha, Elizabeth, Ann, Sarah, Lydia and John. Lastly, I ordain and constitute my well beloved daughter, Mary Ballinger, Jesse Pugh and William Pickering sole executors of this my last will and testament as witness my hand and seal this 5th day of the 8th month, 1760. Signed, sealed and acknowledged by the said Mary Wright to be her last will and testament in presence of us. Signed: Mary Wright Witness: Elizabeth Powell, Elinor Rogers, Susanna Bevin. (This was proved March 6, 1764 in Frederick Co., VA) (C-696)

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Adapted from http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=32113214:

Mary Bowater Wright

Birth: Feb. 12, 1689 London, England Death: Mar., 1764 Frederick Heights Frederick County Virginia, USA

Research Notes: Stewart Baldwin in "The American Genealogist" July/Oct 1997 issue.

She was a Bowater based on multiple pieces of evidence. Mary Wright's Birthdate is listed as Feb 12 1689 in Hopewell Quaker records. This is off by 1 day from being Mary Bowater. Actual Birthdate in English records records 1689 date is interpreted as 1688/1689. As an orphaned young woman, Mary Bowater was received on certificate from England to live near her brother Thomas. In the Philadelphia Monthly Meeting records dated 28 4th month 1706, the only Philadelphia records, Mary condemned her marriage as contrary to discipline. This record coincides with the estimated marriage date for Mary & James Wright. Although the Quaker records were destroyed for the time period of their Marriage, later marriage records of Mary & James Wright's children include many Bowater relatives as witnesses and do not include any Davis relatives. Mary & James Wright were also listed in the relatives column for her brother Thomas Bowater's daughter's marriage. Lastly,they have a grandson named Bowater. Stewart Baldwin's case that Mary is a Bowater is actually one of the finest pieces of genealogical analysis.

Her will is as follows:

"I, Mary Wright, of Frederick County in the colony of Virginia, being aged and sickly but of a sound and well disposing mind and memory do make this my last will and testament hereby revoking and disanulling all other will that have heretofore been made or done by me.

• First, my will is that my body be decently buried and that all my just debts and funeral charges that I leave to be defrayed at the discretion of my executors herefter named.
• Secondly, I give and bequeath and demise to the proper use and behalf of him the said Thomas Wright his heirs and assigns forever.
• Thirdly,I give and bequeath all and singular of my wedding apparel unto my seven daughters, vis., Mary, Hannah, Martha, Elizabeth, Ann, Sarah, Lidia to be equally divided among them.
• Fourthly, I give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah Pickering, one brass mortar.
• Fifthly, I give and bequeath unto my son Thomas Wright all and singular of my stock and household goods.I also will that what money remains after my decease,from the land sold on Middlefork is to be equally divided among my ten children,vis.James Isaac, Mary Hannah, Martha, Elizabeth, Ann, Sarah, Lydia and John.
• Lastly, I ordain and constitute my well beloved daughter Mary Ballinger, Jesse Pugh and William Pickering sole executors of this my last will and testament as witness my hand and seal this 5th day of the 8th month.1760".

Signed,sealed and acknowledged by the said Mary Wright to be her last will and testament in presence of us.

Signed: Mary Wright Witness: Elizabeth Powell, Elinor Rogers, Susanna Bevin

(this was proved March 6 1764 in Frederick County,Va)

Married to James Wright on Feb 2 1707 in East Nottingham MM, Chester County, Pennsylvania

Children from this marriage were:

i. Mary Wright was born on 3 Jun 1708 in East Nottingham MM, Cecil County, Maryland and died on 21 Oct 1800 in Back Creek, Frederick County, Virginia at age 92.

ii. Hannah Susannah Wright was born on 24 Jan 1709 in East Nottingham MM, Cecil County,Maryland and died in 1760 at age 51.

iii. Thomas Wright was born on 11 Nov 1711 in Chester County, Pennsylvania and died in 1720 in Chester County, Pennsylvania at age 9.

iv. Martha Wright was born on 14 Feb 1713 in East Nottingham MM, Cecil County, Maryland and died in 1794 in Martinsburg (West) Virginia at age 81.

Research Notes: Source: The Quakers at "Monoquesey"
Excerpts from "Pioneers of Old Monocacy: The Early Settlement of Frederick Co., Maryland 1721-1743

by Grace L. Tracey and John P.Dern, Genealogical Publishing Co., 1987

Martha Wright Mendenhall became an able Quaker leader and died in Martinsburg, (West) Virginia in 1794 at the age of 82.
Martha married John III Mendenhall, son of John Mendenhall and Susannah Pearson, in 1731. John was born on 14 Apr 1713 in Chester County, Pennsylvania and died in 1771 in Berkeley, Berkeley County, West Virginia at age 58.

v. Elizabeth Wright 2 was born on 23 Nov 1714 in East Nottingham MM, Cecil County, Maryland and died in 1790 in Frederick County, Virginia at age 76.

vi. John C. Wright was born on 4 Nov 1716 in East Nottingham MM, Chester County, Pennsylvania and died before 8 Jun 1790 in Bush River MM, Newberry Co., South Carolina.

vii. James Jr. Wright was born on 8 Nov 1718 in New Garden Mm, Chester County, Pennsylvania and died on an unknown date.

viii. Thomas Wright was born on 14 Jan 1720 in Nottingham MM, Cecil County, Pennsylvania and died on 18 Aug 1765 in Frederick County, Virginia at age 45.

ix. Isacc Wright was born on 25 Mar 1723 in New Garden Mm, Chester County, Pennsylvania and died on 31 May 1777 in Frederick County, Virginia at age 54.

x. Anne Wright was born on 29 Jan 1725 in Nottingham MM, Maryland and died on 27 Apr 1801 in Hopewell Mm, Frederick County, Virginia at age 76.

xi. Sarah Wright was born on 15 Mar 1727 in Apple Pie Ridge, Frederick County, Virginia and died in 1775 at age 48.

Sarah married William Pickering in 1749 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. William was born on 1 Mar 1726 in Frederick County, Virginia and died on 10 Jan 1789 in Frederick County, Virginia at age 62.

xii. Lydia Wright was born on 31 Aug 1730 in Apple Pie Ridge, Frederick County, Virginia and died on 24 Jun 1778 in Frederick County, Virginia at age 47.

Family links:

Spouse:

• James Wright (1671 - 1759)

Children (with graves linked on Find A Grave):

• Mary Wright Ballinger (1708 - 1800)*
• Martha Wright Mendenhall (1712 - 1794)*
• Elizabeth Wright Matthews (1714 - 1790)*
• John C Wright (1716 - 1790)*
• James Jr. Wright (1718 - ____)*
• Thomas Wright (1721 - 1765)*
• Isacc Wright (1723 - 1777)*
• Ann Wright Pugh (1725 - 1801)*
• Anne Wright McCool (1725 - 1801)*
• Sarah Wright Pickering (1727 - 1748)*

Burial: Unknown

Created by: Tonya Sparks Record added: Dec 11, 2008 Find A Grave Memorial# 32113214

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=32113214

Mary Bowater Wright

Birth: Feb. 12, 1689 London, England

Death: Mar., 1764 Frederick Heights Frederick County Virginia, USA

Research Notes:Stewart Baldwin in "The American Genealogist" July/Oct 1997 issue. She was a Bowater based on multiple pieces of evidence. Mary Wright's Birthdate is listed in Feb 12 1689 in Hopewell Quaker records. This is off by 1 day from being Mary Bowater Actual Birthdate in English records 1689 date is interpreted as 1688/1689.As an orphaned young women, Mary Bowater was received on certificate from England to live near her brother, Thomas in the Philadelphia Monthly Meeting records dated 28 4th month 1706,this is the only Philadelphia records Mary condemned her marriage as contrary to discipline.

This record coincides with the estimated marriage date for Mary & James Wright. Although the Quaker records were destroyed for the time period of their Marriage, later marriage records of Mary & James Wright's children include many Boater relatives as witnesses and do not include any Davis relative. Mary & James Wright were also listed in the relatives column for her brother, Thomas Bowater's daughter's marriage..Lastly, they have a grandson named Bowater. Stewart Baldwin's case that Mary is a Bowater is actually one of the finest pieces of genealogical analysis.

Her will is as follows:"I, Mary Wright. Of Frederick County in the colony of Virginia, being aged and sickly but of a sound and well disposing mind and memory do make this my last will and testament herby revoking and disanulling all other will that have heretofore been made or done by me. First, my will is that my body be decently buried and that all my just debts and funeral charges that i leave to be defrayed at the discretion of my executors hereafter named. Secondly, I give and bequeath and demise to the proper use and behalf of himthe said Thomas Wright his heirs and assigns forever. Thridly, I leave and bequeath all and singular of my wedding apparel unto my seven daughters, vis.,Mary,Hannah,Martha,Elizabeth,Ann,Sarah,Lidia to be equally divided among them. Fourthly,I give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah Pickering ,one brass mortar. Fifthly, i give and bequeath unto my son Thomas Wright all and singular of my stock and household goods. I also will that what money remains after my decease, from the land sold on Middlefork is to be equally divided among my ten children,vis.James Isaac,Mary Hannah,Martha,Elizabeth,Ann,Sarah,Lydia and John.Lastly ,I ordain and constitute my well beloved daughter Mary Ballinger,Jesse Pugh and William Pickering sole executors of this my last will and testament as witness my hand and seal this 5th day of the 8th month.1760.Signed,sealed and acknowledged by the said Mary Wright to be her last will and testament in presence of us. Signed: Mary Wright Witness:Elizabeth Powell,EElinor Rogers,Susanna Bevin (this was proved March 6 1764 in Frederick County,Va)

Married to James Wright on Feb 2 1707 in East Nottingham,Chester County,Pennsylivana

Children from this marriage were:

i.Mary Wright was born on 3 Jun 1708 in East Nottingham MM, Cecil County, Maryland and died on 21 Oct 1800 in Back Creek, Frederick County, Virginia at age 92.

ii.Hannah Susannah Wright was born on 24 Jan 1709 in East Nottingham MM, Cecil County,Maryland and died in 1760 at age 51.

iii.Thomas Wright was born on 11 Nov 1711 in Chester County, Pennsylvania and died in 1720 in Chester County, Pennsylvania at age 9.

iv.Martha Wright was born on 14 Feb 1713 in East Nottingham MM, Cecil County, Maryland and died in 1794 in Martinsburg (West) Virginia at age 81.

Research Notes: Source: The Quakers at "Monoquesey"

Excerpts from "Pioneers of Old Monocacy: The Early Settlement of Frederick Co.,Maryland 1721-1743 by Grace L. Tracey and John P.Dern,Genealogical Publishing Co., 1987

Martha Wright Mendenhall became an able Quaker leader and died in Martinsubrg,(West)Virginia in 1794 at the age of 82.

Martha married John III Mendenhall, son of John Mendenhall and Susannah Pearson,in 1731.John was born on 14 Apr 1713 in Chester County,Pennsylvania and died in 1771 in Berkeley,Berkeley County,West Virginia at age 58.

v. Elizabeth Wright 2 was born on 23 Nov 1714 in East Nottingham MM, Cecil County,Maryland and died in 1790 in Frederick County,Virginia at age 76.

vi. John C. Wright was born on 4 Nov 1716 in East Nottingham MM, Chester County, Pennsylvania and died before 8 Jun 1790 in Bush River MM, Newberry Co.,South Carolina.

vii. James Jr. Wright was born on 8 Nov 1718 in New Garden Mm, Chester County,Pennsylvania and died on an unknown date.

viii. Thomas Wright was born on 14 Jan 1720 in Nottingham MM, Cecil County,Pennsylvania and died on 18 Aug 1765 in Frederick County,Virginia at age 45.

ix. Isacc Wright was born on 25 Mar 1723 in New Garden Mm, Chester County,Pennsylvania and died on 31 May 1777 in Frederick County,Virginia at age 54.

x. Anne Wright was born on 29 Jan 1725 in Nottingham MM, Maryland and died on 27 Apr 1801 in Hopewell Mm,Frederick County,Virginia at age 76.

xi. Sarah Wright was born on 15 Mar 1727 in Apple Pie Ridge,Frederick County,Virginia and died in 1775 at age 48.

Sarah married William Pickering in 1749 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. William was born on 1 Mar 1726 in Frederick County,Virginia and died on 10 Jan 1789 in Frederick County,Virginia at age 62.

F-xii. Lydia Wright was born on 31 Aug 1730 in Apple Pie Ridge,Frederick County,Virginia and died on 24 Jun 1778 in Frederick County,Virginia at age 47.

Family links:

Spouse:

 James Wright (1671 - 1759)

Children:

 Mary Wright Ballinger (1708 - 1800)*

 Martha Wright Mendenhall (1712 - 1794)*

 Elizabeth Wright Matthews (1714 - 1790)*

 John C Wright (1716 - 1790)*

 James Jr. Wright (1718 - ____)*

 Thomas Wright (1721 - 1765)*

 Isacc Wright (1723 - 1777)*

 Ann Wright Pugh (1725 - 1801)*

 Anne Wright McCool (1725 - 1801)*

 Sarah Wright Pickering (1727 - 1748)*

Burial: Unknown

Created by: Tonya Sparks Record added: Dec 11, 2008 Find A Grave Memorial# 32113214

Research Notes:Stewart Baldwin in "The American Genealogist" July/Oct 1997 issue. She was a Bowater based on multiple pieces of evidence.Mary Wright's Birthdate is listed in Feb 12 1689 in Hopewell Quaker records.This is off by 1 day from being Mary Bowater Actual Birthdatein English records records 1689 date is interpreted as 1688/1689.As an orphaned young women,Mary Bowater was recieved on certificate from England to live near her brother,Thomas in the Philadelphia Monthly Meeting records dated 28 4th month 1706,this is the only Philadelphia records Mary condemed her marriage as contrary to discipline. This record coincides with the estimated marriage date for Mary & James Wright.Although the Quaker records were destoryed for the time period of their Marriage,later marriage records of Mary & James Wright's children include many Boater relatives as witnesses and do not include any Davis relative.Mary & James Wright were also listed in the relatives column for her brother,Thomas Bowater's daughter's marriage.Lastly,they have a grandson named Bowater.Stewart Baldwin's case that Mary is a Bowater is actually one of the finest pieces of genealogical analysis. Her will is as follows:"I,Mary Wright.of Frederick County in the colony of Virginia,being aged and sickly but of a sound and well disposing mind and memory do make this my last will and testament herby revoking and disanulling all other will that have heretofore been made or done by me.First,my will is that my body be decently buried and that all my just debts abd funeral charges that i leave to be defrayed at the discretion of my executors herefter named.Secondly,I give and bequeath and demise to the proper use and behalf of himthe said Thomas Wright his heirs and assigns forever.Thridly,I ive and bequeath all and singular of my weddin apparel unto my seven daughters,vis.,Mary,Hannah,Martha,Elizabeth,Ann,Sarah,Lidia to be equally divided among them.Fourthly,I give and bequeathto my daughter Sarah Pickering,one brass mortar.Fifthly,i give and bequeath unto my son Thomas Wright all and singular of my stock and household goods.I also will that what money remains after my decease,from the land sold on Middlefork is to be equally divided among my ten children,vis.James Isaac,Mary Hannah,Martha,Elizabeth,Ann,Sarah,Lydia and John.Lastly,I ordain and constitute my well beloved daughter Mary Ballinger,Jesse Pugh and William Pickering sole executors of this my last will and testament as witness my hand and seal this 5th day of the 8th month.1760.Signed,sealed and acknowledged by the said Mary Wright to be her last will and testament in presence of us.Signed:Mary Wright Witness:Elizabeth Powell,EElinor Rogers,Susanna Bevin (this was proved March 6 1764 in Frederick County,Va)

Married to James Wright on Feb 2 1707 in East Nottingham MM,Chester County,Pennsylivana

Children from this marriage were:

i.Mary Wright was born on 3 Jun 1708 in East Nottingham MM, Cecil County, Maryland and died on 21 Oct 1800 in Back Creek, Frederick County, Virginia at age 92.

ii.Hannah Susannah Wright was born on 24 Jan 1709 in East Nottingham MM, Cecil County,Maryland and died in 1760 at age 51.

iii.Thomas Wright was born on 11 Nov 1711 in Chester County, Pennsylvania and died in 1720 in Chester County, Pennsylvania at age 9.

iv.Martha Wright was born on 14 Feb 1713 in East Nottingham MM, Cecil County, Maryland and died in 1794 in Martinsburg (West) Virginia at age 81.

Research Notes: Source: The Quakers at "Monoquesey"

Excerpts from "Pioneers of Old Monocacy: The Early Settlement of Frederick Co.,Maryland 1721-1743 by Grace L. Tracey and John P.Dern,Genealogical Publishing Co., 1987

Martha Wright Mendenhall became an able Quaker leader and died in Martinsubrg,(West)Virginia in 1794 at the age of 82.

Martha married John III Mendenhall, son of John Mendenhall and Susannah Pearson,in 1731.John was born on 14 Apr 1713 in Chester County,Pennsylvania and died in 1771 in Berkeley,Berkeley County,West Virginia at age 58.

v. Elizabeth Wright 2 was born on 23 Nov 1714 in East Nottingham MM, Cecil County,Maryland and died in 1790 in Frederick County,Virginia at age 76.

vi. John C. Wright was born on 4 Nov 1716 in East Nottingham MM, Chester County, Pennsylvania and died before 8 Jun 1790 in Bush River MM, Newberry Co.,South Carolina.

vii. James Jr. Wright was born on 8 Nov 1718 in New Garden Mm, Chester County,Pennsylvania and died on an unknown date.

viii. Thomas Wright was born on 14 Jan 1720 in Nottingham MM, Cecil County,Pennsylvania and died on 18 Aug 1765 in Frederick County,Virginia at age 45.

ix. Isacc Wright was born on 25 Mar 1723 in New Garden Mm, Chester County,Pennsylvania and died on 31 May 1777 in Frederick County,Virginia at age 54.

x. Anne Wright was born on 29 Jan 1725 in Nottingham MM, Maryland and died on 27 Apr 1801 in Hopewell Mm,Frederick County,Virginia at age 76.

xi. Sarah Wright was born on 15 Mar 1727 in Apple Pie Ridge,Frederick County,Virginia and died in 1775 at age 48.

Sarah married William Pickering in 1749 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. William was born on 1 Mar 1726 in Frederick County,Virginia and died on 10 Jan 1789 in Frederick County,Virginia at age 62.

F-xii. Lydia Wright was born on 31 Aug 1730 in Apple Pie Ridge,Frederick County,Virginia and died on 24 Jun 1778 in Frederick County,Virginia at age 47.

• Updated from Find A Grave Memorial via daughter Mary Ballinger (born Wright) by SmartCopy: Sep 23 2015, 15:31:27 UTC

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(wlr - from husband James Wright's will proved in Fredrick Co.,Va on March 1 1760. It was presented by the excutrix,wife Mary Wright) ". . . Lastly I ordain and constitute my loving and well beloved wife,Mary Wright,sole executrix of this my last will and testament witness my hand and seal,dated Opeckan aforesaid this 14th day of this 8th month October,1751." -tcd

(drd) "In 1759 the Quaker Colony where the Wrights lived was atacked and James and his wife Mary were killed and scalped." -Tonya Sparks [hard for her to be scalped in 1759, and then Mary Wright proved James will in 1760, per above] -tcd

(f/g flower) Mary was NOT Mary Bowater !!!! I'm sorry but Mary Bowater married Stephen Ailes. There are several actual records (not theories) that confirm this. Including the will of Mary Bowater's mother, Frances, that lists her as: "daughter Mary Ailes." In the will of Stephen Ailes will he lists John & Jacob Pusey who were nephews Mary Bowater through her sister Elizabeth that married William Pusey. In addition to the wills, in the "200th Anniversary of the founding of London Grove Meeting by the Society of Friends at London Grove, PA" Pages 94-96 also list: "Stephen Ailes married about 1714, Mary Bowater, of Chester Mo. Meeting from which she had a certificate some years later." Also this record lists all of Mary Bowater's siblings marriage records, including: "Ann Bowater, daughter of John and Frances, and sister to Mary AILES." The theory of Baldwin quoted on this page includes marriage records of a Mary Wright being condemned for her marriage. There are a number of errors: Not only the question of why was she was condemned for her marriage, it does not list her maiden name and the record is listed in the column with other Wrights

suggesting that this Mary's maiden name was Wright.

Also it would also make her first two children born out of wedlock, The actual Quaker record clearly says 1708, not the 1706 stated on this page. This would be quite the scandal for a Quaker minister. The actual records and wills simply do not match his theory. Mary Bowater's father and grandfather are both named John. This confusion had convinced Mr. Baldwin that she went to live with her "brother" Thomas, who in fact was actually 35 years older than her, and her uncle. Her actual father John, came to America in 1684, settled in Middletown township, and held meetings at his home in 1687, while her grandfather John was still in England. And I also might mention, he was 60 years old and in prison during the time he supposedly conceived Mary with a woman that was 27 years younger. If Baldwin created a timeline he would have noticed his errors. Please, please I beg you - fact check! - Margaret Ballinger

Added: Aug. 7, 2013 -tcd

GEDCOM Note

!RESIDENCE: of Nottingham, Chester, PA

!RESIDENCE: of Nottingham, Chester, PA !BIRTH-DEATH: about 1681 or 2 Dec 1689, Death about Mar 1764 now in !AKA: AFN 1CV1-P7

James Wright and Mary Bowater

Supporting evidence that Mary Wright, wife of James Wright, is Mary Bowater:

According to Quaker Marriage Certificates of New Garden Monthly Meeting, Chester County, Pennsylvania 1704-1799, written by Gwen Boyer Bjorkman (Heritage Books, 2012), p. 1, it says for marriage certificate of John BAELS (son of John BALES of Notingham, Chester Co. PA) and Sarah BOWATER (daughter of Thomas BOWATER of Chester Creek, Chester Co., PA) married on 14th day of 9th month 1711, that Mary WRIGHT and James WRIGHT were in attendance. Yes, James WRIGHT was a popular witness to marriages for the Quakers, however, Mary Wright was not. To have them both attend a wedding makes it seem like they were related to the couple.

Further, on page 21 of the aforesaid source, there is a marriage certificate for Henry BALLINGER and Hannah WRIGHT, daughter of James WRIGHT. At their wedding were the above mentioned John & Sarah BAELS, along with Mary Wright, Mary Wright Jr., Mary Ailes (some have said this Mary was also Mary Wright, which squalches that theory) and a Thomas BOWATER (father of Sarah Baels).

See also:
Stewart Baldwin, "Quaker Marriage Certificates, Using Witness Lists in Genealogical Research," <i>The American Genealogist,</i> 72 (October 1997)

and: Stewart Baldwin, "John and Thomas Bowater and their Sister Mary (Bowater) Wright," <i>The American Genealogist,</i> 75 (January 2000).

--Other Fields _TAG:

--Other Fields _TAG:

See also information obtained form Robe

See also information obtained form Robert and Donna Gill (e-mail regillbellsouth.net> gedcom at Rootsweb.

!Abstracts of Wills, Inventories, and Ad

!Abstracts of Wills, Inventories, and Administration Accounts of Frederick County, Virginia 1743-1800 by J. Estelle Stewart King. (Pg 25) Wright, Mary Will, 8 May 1763. March 1764. "Aged and sick." Legatee: grandson Thomas Wright, son Daughter: Sarah Ballinger.of Thomas and Esther Wright Mentions land left by her husband, James Wright. Daughters: Mary, Hannah, Martha, Elizabeth, Ann, Sarah, Lidia. Daughter Sarah Pickering. Sons: Thomas, James, Isaac, and John Wright. Exrs: Mary Ballinger (daughter), Jesse Pugh, William Pickering. !Abstracts of Wills, Inventories, and Administration Accounts of Frederick County, Virginia 1743-1800 by J. Estelle Stewart King. (Pg 13) Wright, James Will, 4 October 1751. --March 1760. Wife Mary Wright, named as Extrx. Son: Thomas Wright. Children: John, James, Isaac, Lydia, Mary Ballinger, Hannah Ballinger, Martha Mendenhall, Elizabeth Mathews, Ann McCall, Sarah Pickering (?) !Death place was originally in Frederick Co., Virginia. Later, boundary changes resulted in death place would now be listed as Berkeley Co., West Virginia. !Last name DAVIS is from Ancestral File. Name found in web site http://www.iland.net/beer/Pages/WC02_348.htm is listed as Mary Bowater.

Alternate Birth Date

According to the Hopewell Quaker records, Mary Bowater was born February 12, 1689. As an orphaned young woman, she was received on certificate from England to live near her brother, Thomas in 1706. He lived near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. According to the Philadelphia Monthly Meeting record for April 28, 1706, Mary condemns her marriage as contrary to discipline. This coincides with the estimated marriage date between her and James Wright. The records were burned in a fire, but her Boater relatives attest to be witnesses of the event. The record does not reference any Davis relatives. The couple were listed in various children's marriage records, and that of her niece Thomas Bowater's daughter. Lastly, they had a grandson named Bowater. Mary left a will leaving her debts to be discharged by her executors and a bequeath to the heirs of her brother, Thomas, after her funeral expenses were paid. Her wedding apparel was left to her seven daughters: Mary, Hannah,Martha, Elizabeth, Ann, Sarah, and Lidia, to be evenly divided among them. To Sarah, she also bequeathed a brass mortar. To her son, Thomas Wright, she bequeathed her livestock and household goods. To her ten children, she left the proceeds from the sale of the property in Middlefork, to be evenly divided; namely: James, Isaac, Mary Hannah, Martha, Elizabeth, Ann, Sarah, Lydia, and John. Her executors were her well beloved daughter, MaryBallinger, Jesse Pugh and William Pickering. Witnessed and signed the 5th of August 1760. This was proved March 6, 1764 in Frederick County, Virginia.

Life Sketch

findagrave
I would like to say that this has incorrect information Mary Bowater is not Mary Davis Wright although the sources are linked the sources are clearly for Bowater not the Davis's So at further looking this profile Mary Davis does not belong to the Wright's She belong to the Bowater's so am changing it back to Bowater and put in the right parents

James married Mary Bowater, daughter of John Bowater and Mary Maunder, on 2 Feb 1707 in East Nottingham MM, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Mary was born on 12 Feb 1689 in London, England, died before 6 Mar 1764 in Hopewell Mm, Frederick County, Virginia,and was buried in Hopewell Mm, Frederick County, Virginia.

From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 5 J

From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 5 JAN 1998.

GEDCOM Source

Created by: Tonya Sparks Record added: Dec 11, 2008 Find A Grave Memorial# 32113214

GEDCOM Source

9DZY-K96 International, Find A Grave Index for Select Locations, 1300s-Current http://search.ancestry.com/collections/60541/records/41742

References

• https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Bowater-8
• Records of the London and Middlesex Quarterly Meeting, PRO RG6/498 FHL Film #817,383
• The American Genealogist 75:46 (2000)
• Frederick, Virginia, Wills Available here
• Joint Committee of Hopewell Friends, Hopewell Friends History, 1734-1934, Frederick County, Virginia: Records of Hopewell Monthly Meeting, p. 27-28 Available on Google Books here < GoogleBooks > See also:
• Info From: "Hopewell, Virginia Memberships, 1759-76"; Name: [p.487] Wright, James Sr. Born: 1671; Name: w. Mary Born: 2-12-1689 (2nd month by old calendar is April)
• "England and Wales Quaker Birth, Marriage, and Death Records 1578-1837 Quaker Meeting of London and Middlesex" states that she was born 3 Feb 1688. Copy of original is on Ancestry.com. The handwritten copy says 3rd day of 12th month 1688. At that time (before Feb 1, 1753) the 12th month in Quaker record-keeping was Feb in that old English. For this reason whoever translated her birth as 3 Feb 1688 was probably correct. (Also there is a FHL copy of film #817383. Ref ID is 142.)
• "England Select Births & Christenings 1538-1975" Same date as previous listing. (The original copies of each look the same. The Quaker records may have taken info from England's records.
• Global Find-A-Grave for Burials at Sea and Other Specified Burial Locations 1300's on. Mary Wright died Mar 1764 at Frederick Heights, Frederick Co., VA. Burial is in Hopewell MM Cemetery (Quaker)
• Dorman, John Frederick, C.G., F.A.S.G.. , "Adventurers of Purse and person Virginia 1607-1624/5, 4th ed. p. 809 list Mary "born 16 March 1674/5 at Manokin."
• John Bowater: Find A Grave: Memorial #213090752
• John Bowater: Find A Grave: Memorial #213891742
• Find A Grave: Memorial #101049646
• Find A Grave: Memorial #213137101

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• Reference: FamilySearch Genealogy - SmartCopy: Sep 19 2023, 18:24:56 UTC